Leach files suit against ESPN

Former coach Mike Leach sued ESPN Inc. and a public relations firm on Wednesday, accusing them of libel and slander after he was fired by Texas Tech amid accusations that he mistreated a player suffering from a concussion.

The suit filed in Texas district court claims the network's coverage of Leach's firing last year was "willful and negligent defamation" and that it failed to "retract false and damaging statements" it made from "misinformation" provided to ESPN by Craig James, the father of the Texas Tech player.

ESPN officials declined to comment.

•Oregon says allegations of impropriety surrounding running back LaMichael James and a vehicle he had been driving are unfounded. The university issued a statement saying it was determined that James' use of the vehicle "did not constitute a violation of NCAA legislation."

•No. 16 Nebraska will be without senior wide receiver and kick returner Niles Paul on Friday against Colorado. Coach Bo Pelini said Paul hurt a foot at practice on Tuesday.